Abstract

Textiles research publishing is burgeoning, in the virtual and real world where computers crash and libraries creak under the strain of journals, subject specific literature, business case studies, illustrations, charts, mind maps, graphs, mathematical data, patents, intellectual property, technical and design applications, productions, disposal relating to national and international policy. Textile research is produced in academic and commercial ’silos’ where outputs and reporting generate income fuelled by research council funding structures and the private sector often creating an ‘old boys network’ in a virtuous circle. However it is apparent that outputs are increasingly inaccessible in their methods of delivery, vernacular and location, begging the question what is textiles research? Is the research relevant and if so how should its significance and impact be communicated to and accessed by those who can best use it, lay-people, academics and business alike?

Item Type:

Journal article

Additional Information:

Textiles is the quarterly magazine of The Textile Institute. This issue is a special Centenary Issue celebrating the past 100 years and looking to the future.